Predictable Chick Lit. Bummed I didn’t enjoy this as much as others did. We are told just how awesome Cassie is over and over again. Meanwhile I found Cassie to be mostly unlikable, definitely not anyone I would want to hang out with. Sure I would want her to come save me but I don’t want to be her friend. This is not how you want to feel about the strong female lead.
If you are in the mood for a Hallmark movie type of book try this one, I don’t think it’s a bad read, just not for me

Katherine Center's "Things You Save in a Fire" was a quick, engaging read, and I read most of it in a single sitting. Cassie was a very likeable main character who clearly experienced a lot of trauma in her short life, but still managed to turn into a kind, caring, if somewhat emotionally reserved young adult. I enjoyed observing Cassie's growth over the course of the story as she learned to forgive her mother for leaving her as a teenager, and also as she fell in love with her fellow firefighter, Owen (aka "the Rookie").

This story featured nice messages about love and forgiveness which really resonated with me, though I did find it a bit hard to believe that Cassie was able to not only forgive some of the other characters, but actually become friends (or at least friendly) with them in the end. The author herself noted at one point that not everyone gets a happy ending, and unfortunately I would have to agree with that. It's possible to forgive someone without welcoming him or her back into one's life, and that seems like it would have been a more realistic outcome here based on the way some of the characters behaved and how they treated Cassie.

In any event, I did enjoy this story very much, and would absolutely read other books by this author in the future.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little worried going into Things You Save in a Fire (in stores now!), because I had heard nothing but amazing things about it, and I had high expectations after reading How To Walk Away a couple of weeks ago. I knew I needed something to break the reading slump I’ve been in lately, so I was hoping Katherine Center was going to pull through for me… and did she ever!

I’ve got to say, much like How to Walk Away, I did find the plot of this story a little predictable. I knew who the villain was right off the bat (well, when she actually gets to Lillian) and I’m sure most of us saw the love story coming from a mile away. That being said, I wasn’t at all disappointed by how the story developed. Despite knowing where things were going, Center kept me interested with her quippy dialogue and great character development. These people seemed real and the struggles were believable.

Katherine Center writes emotion in a way that is so unique to her that I can’t really explain it. You feel the highs and lows of what the characters are feeling without being burdened by it. The story takes you on a journey with yet another bad-ass female characters (though I personally love Cassie so much more than I did Margaret), and the fact that she ties Margaret and Cassie’s stories together is a bonus to all of her fans.

Fans of Katherine Center will love this, without a doubt, and I think this book is good place to start for people who want to get to know the author a little bit better. I highly recommend it.

4.5 STARS

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy.

This review will go live on my blog, The Modest Reader, August 19 at 7 am.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free review copy!

Things You Save in a Fire is a wonderful story that truly looks at what it means to forgive. Cassie is a strong, independent female firefighter. Her past has made her tough as she seems to have faced a lot of hurt through a relationship gone bad with a boy on her 16th birthday and her mother walking away from her family that same day. When her mother calls asking for help Cassie is conflicted. After deciding to go to her mother she starts a new job in a old school boys only firehouse. Knowing she needs to prove her position she works harder then the rest and is tougher then ever. That is until she meets the new rookie. Her walls start to come down. Love is something she has not let in but she can't help herself with him. Cassie learns about love, loss and forgiveness. through her time spent with her mom and in her new job. She realizes that sometimes the best thing you can do is forgive yourself. I really enjoyed this story and the last half of the book had me on the edge of my seat. I loved seeing the journey Cassie went on and how she opened up and changed. A really heartfelt story that will have you feeling all the feels after you put it down.

Loved this story of Cassie, an amazing firefighter who refuses to engage in life outside her job in favor of preserving her anger at her mother for abandoning heron her 16th birthday 10 years earlier. When she moves from Austin to Massachusetts to care for her estranged mother, she has the challenge of a new, unreceptive crew of firefighters. I enjoyed the characters and watching Cassie finally start to forgive, heal, and open herself to the people around her.

I absolutely loved this book! Katherine Center has a way of writing where you are completely immersed in her story. I flew through this book and loved everything about it! Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Things You Save in a Fire is story of Cassie, a female firefighter, as she balances work, love, and family. I adored her interactions with Owen and the other firefighters. I personally related so much to Cassie’s family problems which made me teary. As readers, we know we will get a HEA but the journey is so enjoyable and emotional . Additionally I appreciated the author spotlighting a female lead in a non-traditional career.
I will read more from this author.. Thanks St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this title for review.
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Multiple events conspire together to cause Cassie Hanwell to move away from the city in which she's just received an award for her service as a firefighter to a new city where, she's told, they don't even think women should be firefighters. But Cassie has taught herself how to overcome almost anything--but keeping emotions and feelings at bay and always following a schedule and a plan. This method serves her well, but also poorly, in her new life. A very strained relationship with her sick mother and a crush on the rookie at her new fire station both lead to changes she could never have expected.

This book was a fun read for me, and I think it is interesting that it isn't quite as much of a pure romance as I thought it would be. The romance is a key factor, but it's not the only factor. Other important elements include recovering from past trauma (or lack thereof), mother-daughter relationship (focusing on abandonment of the daughter), surviving in a not-entirely-friendly workplace, and most of all, forgiveness.

I really liked the fact that the book had that last angle in it, because I think it's something that many people don't really take the time and effort to try to do. The book may have taken a fairly simplistic approach, but for what it was, I appreciated it.

There are a lot of tropes wrapped up in Cassie, but at the same time, she had some traits that I really connected with. For example, I watched as she pushed another character away, and then was truly disappointed that the other character left. She wanted this person to push harder to reach her, help her, get her to open up, whatever, even while at the same time knowing that she would never let that person in. I am like that as well, especially with my husband, though with his help, I've identified it and am working on it.

One thing that bugged me throughout the book was Cassie's mother. I had a really hard time sympathizing with her, for reasons that I won't explain, because it would broach spoiler territory. But in the end, I decided that I didn't have to agree with Cassie's assessment of her mother or the situation. It wasn't my mother, so I just let it be.

The ending had a few wrap-ups that were a little strange to me, but I enjoyed the book overall. I recommend it to fans of romance, especially those where the romance isn't quite so in-your-face.

Is there anything bad you can say about Katherine Centers books. No there is not. While this is not my typical type of book to read, I still really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this book.

Katherine Center is a remarkably friendly woman, a writer that is approachable and fun with fans. Her writing sort of reflects that. Whimsical stories that keep a reader engaged are key to her novels.

Oh Katherine Center, you got me again.

You wrote yet another story that hooked me right in. Got right deep down into my core and left me feeling like I'd been hugged for days. Yet again, you've made such a complicated and layered and profound story, told so seamlessly and easily, that reaches deep into the heart, rooted around in there for a bit, but then somehow left me feeling full, and alive, and happy. I still can't figure out how you do it. I'm not sure I want to know.

In this one, Cassie was born to be a firefighter. She lives and breathes it, and she's damn good at it. When she finds out her estranged mother is sick and requires her care half way across the country, she's not exactly thrilled to be giving up the life she loves, or her firefighter family. The new station she transfers to in Boston is soooo old school, and not exactly the most welcoming to a female. Although, the new rookie who starts at just the same time Cassie does, is definitely warming up to her fast!

This one really hit close to home for me as I come from a firefighter family that goes back many generations. I know the closeness and camaraderie of these heroes and how they stick together and always show up when needed. The depth of research that went into the technical aspects of the operations, procedures, specialized skills and training these men and women go through, completely blew me away.

And of course that little connection to my absolute favorite, How to Walk Away, was so much fun and a sweet surprise!

I connected with so many other themes that all intertwined in a really fun, and heartfelt story. Family, forgiveness and healing, love, respect and of course, courage - all will hit you right in the feels. Right in those spots that have you laughing one minute, and crying the next. Katherine Center is definitely the Queen of the Feels!!

Things You Save in a Fire is a beautiful, Beautiful book.
It is heartwarming and lovely.
I felt connected to Cassie - she is such a strong female lead.
I will be going back to read the rest of Katherine Centers books for sure.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book has been hyped up and I'm here to tell you that hype is deserved.

Cassie is a strong female character, carefully navigating the nuances of her new firehouse. She's the only female on this new crew, after she decides to move across the country to take care of her ailing mother. But Cassie isn't prepared for the blatant sexism, double standards and outcast status she feels once moving in. It wasn't like this in her firehouse in Austin.

The Rookie, Owen, joined the same day and he smiles too much. He's too good natured. He's not drop dead gorgeous or stupidly handsome. But there's something about him. But the number rule: Don't date Firemen.

I love so many things about this book. Cassie's personality and strength through the whole book is amazing as her character grows and morphs into someone who was so closed off and hurt and traumatized into a stronger fighter and survivor, opening herself up to vulnerability and love. Not just from the Rookie, who she can't stop thinking about. But open to forgiveness, to her mother who left all those years ago, to herself.

And when the plot thickens and someone is after to sabotage Cassie, her strength is needed more than ever. I love where this book goes and there are so many punches to the gut and lovely warm scenes. It's so easy to read, I couldn't put it down. There's human connection and survival and yes, there is fire. I love the glimpses of being a firefighter, their fears and sorrows and camaraderie. Lots of wonderful insights into these everyday heroes who save lives, saves property, save each other.

I'm going to add every Katherine Center book to my To Read pile now.

This book is a must read. I generally reserve my five star ratings for books that are either just really moving in some way, or that make me both laugh and cry (not an easy feat in one book). This book was incredibly moving and succeeded in making me laugh and cry. The characters are ones you love immediately, ones that you root for. The story was well plotted and paced and kept me reading long past my bedtime. The story focuses on the theme of forgiveness and offers what seems to be some sound advice for the reader and the characters. The book also takes a unique view of feminism and I appreciated that. I loved this book just as much as I loved Katherine Center’s last book and I highly recommend it.

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
It was a great book!
Cassie is a firefighter living in Houston, TX.
When her mother gets sick, she asked Cassie to move to Massachusetts to live with her.
He mother left Cassie, when Cassie was a teenager.
What is Cassie to do ?
It is her mother, but Cassie's feelings for her mother are very complicated.
Cassie moves to Massachusetts.
New town and new fire station.
Don't worry!
Cassie is a fighter.
She will not be keep down for long.
The characters + storytelling were very captivating.
She pulls you into her world + she does not intend to let you go.
It has all the ingredients that you need for an awesome book!

I absolutely loved the story. It is super cute and funny. I love the writing and the flow. I’m looking forward to reading more by this amazing author.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. While I appreciated how descriptive the life of a firefighter is, and I felt the author did an excellent job of showing how Cassie and Diana work through their issues, some of the characters behaviors didn’t really seem to fit that well.

Cassis is portrayed as someone who was hurt by her mother and a “very, very bad” male on her 16th birthday. She has had no male romantic relationships since then. She is a tough, work hard to rise through the ranks, no nonsense type of girl, and then the author throws her into a situation with a male where she acts like a gushing, silly teenager. That didn’t work for me. The let’s just kiss, and then end up having sex, before they even started building any kind of serious relationship, didn’t work for me either. These instant “hook-ups” in books are so very unnecessary. This is a girl who went from living behind self-built walls to protect herself from men to having those walls all fall down after one kiss. How in the world would that really happen in real life?

I’m not sure why the author started out with a really good book that was about forgiveness and turned it into a fluffy romance. I don’t care for fluffy romance books, but since I felt the more serious aspects were so well written, I’m giving this three stars. It could have been 5 stars for me without the silly scenes that ruined a really good story. Overall, it was ok.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Katherine Center for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of Things You Saved in a Fire. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Cassie Hanwell is a born firefighter. Now her whole career is in jeopardy because of one night. Granted she did crack her award over the politician’s head but he shouldn’t have grabbed her ass. Her only choice might be to leave her Texas. Her ailing mother has asked for her help for the next year. The Boston firehouse needs someone. It could work.

Except that Cassie hasn’t spoken to her mother in years. On Cassie’s sixteenth birthday her mother left the family to be with another man. Cassie has never really forgiven her, much less want to live with her for a year. The Boston firehouse doesn’t believe women should be firefighters. She’s going to have a very tough go to make it work. Cassie’s chief gave her strict advice if she was going to make it work. Be tougher than anyone, never complain. Work harder than anyone and keep your femininity dialed down to zero. Never cry and never, ever, ever, sleep with another fireman. That won’t be a problem for Cassie. She already lives by those rules. Except that the rookie who started the same day she did is very distracting. Why is he so gorgeous. Why is he so nice? He is slowly breaking down every wall Cassie has. Cassie is in big trouble.

You know when it is a Saturday afternoon, maybe outside it’s a little gray with the rain spattering down and you curl up and watch that Saturday afternoon movie. You know the one. And it just hits the spot. That is this book. I read it all in one shot. It hits so many right notes. Cassie is on a journey that runs the gamut of emotions. She is very closed off in the beginning, having survived two major traumas at a young age. She built a hard shell around herself and even though she is a young adult, she is still a little girl in a lot of ways. Learning to see her mother as a human being, with flaws and all, accepting her despite her mistakes, was beautiful. Oh, if only life were like that. There is a part where her mom teaches her about forgiveness, explaining that there are three parts to it.

“Forgiveness is about amidst of letting go…It’s about acknowledging to yourself that someone hurt you, and accepting that…Then it is about accepting that the person who hurt you is flawed like all people are, and letting that guide you to a better, more nuanced understanding of what happened…The third part… probably the hardest, that involves trying to look at the aftermath of what happened and find ways that you benefited, not just ways you were harmed.”

I think that this is the first time I really and truly understood forgiveness. I have read everything from Oprah to the Dali Lama trying to explain forgiveness and how it is for you and not the other person. I understood that letting go of the anger benefits you, but to really and truly let go, well it is hard. The way Center explains it, I really understand how if you can do all three steps, you can get there. When Cassie starts to heal her relationship with her mother, then that opens her up to love. Not only the rookie but herself.

Everyone gets to grow in this story. All in the right direction. Everyone gets to forgive, everyone finds a home. The only minor note is that I am sorry that in today's age you still have to have the storyline of females not accepted in the workplace. She has to be superwoman and prove she is ten times the man anyone else is. They still don’t trust her and then begrudgingly have to accept her. I understand why it works for the story but I just wish this still wasn’t a thing.

This story hit a little close to home. Those that know me, know that I have a strained relationship with my young adult daughter. I’m waiting for her to forgive me and see that I am just a flawed human being doing the best I can. This book deals with illness, I have just come through an illness. I am a sucker for love (see above Saturday afternoon movies) especially if it involves a hot firefighter. It struck a chord, I might have cried. It has meat to it and a lot of heart. I really enjoyed and think that you will too.

Katherine Center is one of my favorite writers. Things You Save in a Fire, her latest novel, is an excellent example of why. She accomplishes so much simultaneously…She creates memorable characters (including minor characters) who learn and grow throughout the story. She is laugh-out-loud funny. She can and does make you cry. She combines family drama, romance, coming of age, social commentary, and a bit of mystery to create a story that will leave you satisfied and glad you met those characters.

This story focuses on a female firefighter in a very male-dominated environment. Almost too competent to be believable (but not quite), she battles internal and external demons. Center’s writing is incredibly disciplined in that she doesn’t explain the characters; she lets them tell their story through their actions and words. The pace is very quick, and I was barely conscious of time passing. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me the opportunity to read an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure.

I really enjoyed Katherine Center's 2018 release, How to Walk Away, so I was super excited to read Things You Save in a Fire! While How to Walk Away was a four tar read for me, Things You Save in a Fire was a five star but really can I give it ALL THE STARS read for me!! There are so many aspects of this book that I loved. Strong, badass female lead? Check. A story about family? Check. Hot firefighters? Check. Romance? Check. There wasn't anything I didn't absolutely love about this book. It was an emotional yet entertaining and funny read.



The author clearly did her research (read the author's note) and it was so interesting learning about the world of firefighters. It gave me a whole new level of appreciation for them and a gave a really good look at what daily life is like for them. As I said before, I absolutely loved Cassie. She was such an interesting character you couldn't help but love and root for throughout the book--being a woman in a man's world is never easy.



I read the last third of the book in one sitting because I COULD NOT put it down!! This book gave me all the feels and is absolutely one of my top favorites of 2019. I can't recommend this book enough!